Hills

For travelers seeking arts and culture, the Hills region is truly one of the richest areas of Mississippi. The Elvis Presley Birthplace in Tupelo and Oxford’s Rowan Oak, the antebellum home of 1949 Nobel Prize winner William Faulkner, draw visitors from around the world. Our literary heritage continues to thrive to this day; discover the South’s up-and-coming authors at Square Books on the historic downtown Oxford Square, where book signing and readings are frequent.

While Oxford’s reputation for literature is widely known, it is also a regional center for culinary excellence. John Currence, the 2009 James Beard Best Southern Chef, has a number of restaurants in the area, including City Grocery and Big Bad Breakfast. For traditional down-home Southern fare, don’t miss Ajax Diner and nearby Taylor Grocery.

Elsewhere, Mississippi’s history and southern heritage are showcased throughout the Hills region. The Center for the Study of Southern Culture at the University of Mississippi in Oxford is a must for those interested in the history of the blues or famous Southern writers. Civil War buffs will enjoy the Civil War Interpretive Center in Corinth and the nearby Shiloh National Military Park, which preserves the site of the largest battle of the 1862 Civil War campaign. Holly Springs beckons visitors with impressive antebellum homes and authentic small-town charm.

The Hills also offers a great many outdoor adventures. At Tishomingo State Park, you can take in year-round canoeing and kayaking at Pickwick Lake, Sardis Reservoir or Grenada Lake. A quick 18 holes is always nearby, with 30 courses dotting the Hills region. And the scenic Natchez Trace Parkway winds through this region, offering the perfect opportunity for a long or short hiking or biking excursion.

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